Robert J. Marlatt

Rob (Robert) J. Marlatt, 64, of Armington died on August 13, 2023. He was born on April 11, 1959, in Peoria.

He married the love of his life, Karen Allgood on June 10, 1989, she survives. They celebrated 34 years together enjoying many adventures and working on numerous projects. She was his babydoll, rock, and his right-hand helper all through their marriage. He is also survived by 3 children, Jason Marlatt of Stanford, IL, Julie Marlatt of Bloomington, IL and Jena (Ryan) Welker of Springfield, IL. Two sisters, Regina (Kevin) Siscoe and Becky Stroup, brothers and sisters in law, Ken (Mary) Allgood, John (Kathy) Dorsey, Keith (Sherri) Allgood, many nieces and nephews, his mother-in-law, Janice Allgood, and his father.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ronda Marlatt, and his father-in-law, John (Jack) Allgood.

Rob graduated from Morton Community High School in 1977. He started his automotive career at Robo Car Wash in Morton. He spent over 30 years at Roland Rich Ford where he specialized in electronics and computers. Rob was a whiz at this and when other dealers could not figure out the issue with a vehicle, it was sent over to Rob to diagnose and repair. He took pride in each and every vehicle he worked on, always determined to find the answer to the issue and repair it correctly.

He concurrently farmed with Pratt Farms in Armington for over 30 years and began his love of John Deere tractors at this time. He also developed a fondness for Steiger tractors after operating on one on the farm. He later worked for Midstate Collison and then Hutchcraft Motors in LeRoy and retired from there in August of 2021.

Rob was a huge John Deere fan and was rarely seen without a John Deere hat on his head. He was always happy when he was in the seat of a tractor or combine, even if it was just mowing the yard. He enjoyed hunting and target shooting as well as Star Wars. He saw the original movie over 20 times in the theatre when it came out in 1977.

He was a longtime member of the Minier Fire Department and then the Armington Fire Department. He enjoyed being the “inside guy” fighting the fires with his good friend John Greathouse.

Rob was always helping others whether it was car repair, mowing, doing leaves, plowing snow, or just whatever somebody needed. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be on Sunday, August 20, 2023, from 2-4pm at Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Minier. There will be a private graveside service at a later date for family and close friends at Hittle Grove Cemetery in Armington. Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Minier will be handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Armington Fire and Rescue Squad.

Luv ya, Bye Rob.

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